HWC: Social Welfare

HWC 210: Introduction to Social Work

Introduces the student to the field of social work. Provides an overview of the variety of settings in which social workers practice. Describes the knowledge, values, and skills which social workers use in order to help individuals, families, groups, and communities.

1 credit

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HWC 323: Growing Old in America: The Social Conditions Policy and Practice Implications

Explores the social, political and economic conditions related to aging in this society. Identifies social policies and program formats that enhance wellness and support dependencies from a positive perspective. Co-scheduled with HWC 523.

2 credits

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HWC 326: Health Care Delivery with Diverse Populations

An overview of the many facets of health care delivery and the role of social workers in that delivery. Various systems and diverse populations and how they are treated by the health care systems are examined. Covered are community-based health care services, hospital care, long-term care, and the health care needs and impact of the health care system on women, African Americans, Latinos, the developmentally disabled, children, and the aged.

2 credits

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HWC 329: Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human service workers are often required to discuss issues of health and healing. Many individuals, by virtue of their culture, experiences and/or choice, often adhere to a combination of nontraditional and traditional beliefs regarding health care. Familiarizes students with those methods and beliefs most often found in specific cultures. Students will develop an appreciation of each practice in order to interact with clients from a strengths perspective and will gain an international perspective on health care modalities. Co-scheduled with HWC 529.

2 credits

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HWC 340: Social Issues in Popular Culture

Movies have been a useful medium that can illustrate current social issues and family dynamics, as well as policy and research dilemmas. Each week, a film with a central practice/research/policy issue provides the basis for a lecture and class discussion. Topics focus on a variety of social issues such as family dynamics, bereavement, adoption, domestic violence, abuse, residential placement, policy and research. Co-scheduled with HWC 540.

2 credits

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HWC 349: Overview of Social Work with Special Populations

Examines the issues that social workers must consider when working with traditionally disenfranchised populations. Emphasis will include micro and macro issues when intervening with gay and lesbian individuals, members of diverse racial and ethnic groups, and women, as well as others. The historic as well as contemporary experiences of these individuals' interactions with the health and human service delivery system will be explored. Co-scheduled with HWC 549.

2 credits

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HWC 351: Law and Social Change

Introduces students to the interrelationship of the legal process in the United States and the profession of social work. Focuses on the legal process in general, social welfare law, in particular, and the implications for effective social work practice. Co-scheduled with HWC 551.

2 credits

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HWC 361: Implications of Racism for Social Welfare

Examines personal and institutional racism in the United States and the effect racism has on the delivery of services to individuals who do not fit the traditional "American model." Examines the historical relationship between racism and social welfare policies, programs and practice, as well as contemporary strategies for change. Co-scheduled with HWC 561.

2 credits

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HWC 363: Homelessness, Politics and Public Health

Analyzes homelessness as an issue of social policy, including its history, recent causes, and current demographics. Emphasizes the political and economic context that has made homelessness a major social problem. Co-scheduled with HWC 563.

2 credits

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HWC 379: Special Topics in Social Welfare

Examines significant timely issues confronting the profession. Topics include violence as a public health problem, issues of aging, racism, gender, AIDS, the media, spirituality, forensic social work, international social work and others. Topics vary each term as faculty develop specific modules that address one or more of these issues. Co-scheduled with HWC 579.